Toyota advice to drivers

January 29, 2010

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By , TOKYO, Jan 29 – Drivers of Toyota cars and trucks who experience unintended acceleration and need to stop immediately can control the vehicle by stepping on the brake pedal firmly with both feet, according to the company.

Toyota has recalled millions of cars in the United States due to problems with the accelerator pedal, which may in rare instances stick in a partially depressed position, according to the Japanese manufacturer.

The company has issued the following advice to owners of the 2.3 million vehicles affected by the recall in the United States:

— Drivers who experience a sticking accelerator pedal should put the transmission gear selector in neutral, use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.

— Steady pressure should be applied to the brake pedal but avoid pumping it because the vacuum utilised for the power brake assist will be depleted.

— If unable to put the vehicle in neutral, drivers should turn the engine off, which will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but will affect the power assist to these systems.

— If the vehicle has an engine stop/start button, it should be pushed firmly and steadily for at least three seconds to turn off the engine.

— If the vehicle has a conventional key-ignition, drivers should turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do not remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.

Toyota advises owners of vehicles affected by the recall to continue driving unless they experience any problems, in which case they should immediately contact their nearest Toyota Dealer for assistance.

The models affected by the recall are the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra, and the 2008-2010 Sequoia.

Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with vehicle identification numbers (VINs) that begin with "J" are not affected by the sticky accelerator pedal recall, according to the company.

Toyota last week recalled 2.3 million US cars and trucks because of problems with accelerator pedals. The action was separate to a recall launched last year to replace floor mats that could trap accelerator pedals.